In a world where women are increasingly taking the helm in various sectors, it’s crucial to pause and listen to their stories. In honor of National Business Women Day, I had the privilege of sitting down with Lesa Seibert, the visionary CEO of Mightily. Her journey, challenges, and inspirations offer a unique lens into the world of women in business.
Lesa’s entrepreneurial journey began over 23 years ago, a testament to her resilience and adaptability. “This industry has seen tons of ups and tons of downs over the course of that time,” she reflected. She emphasized how far the industry has come since the days when businesses were more focused on Yellow Pages ads than websites. “Web was so new,” she noted, emphasizing the leaps and bounds by which the industry has evolved.
Her path has been illuminated by the wisdom and experiences of other women. When asked about the women who have inspired her, Lesa mentioned several names, including Maggie Harlow and Melissa Richards-Person. “Maggie got me involved in the National Association of Women Business Owners back in 2005,” she said. Lesa also spoke about her friend Melissa Richards, who was most recently the Chief Brand Officer at Papa John’s. “Melissa has such a wealth of industry knowledge from the client side of the business,” Lesa shared. “She’s always been truly insightful and gives you the tough love back when you need it.”
Leadership is often shaped by a mosaic of experiences and influences. Lesa credits her involvement in organizations like the National Association of Women Business Owners for shaping her leadership style. “Learning about what it’s like to be a servant leader… it’s about all the collective and how do we all rise above and become better,” she shared. This philosophy is rooted in the concept of servant leadership. “It’s about supporting your team from behind and giving them the opportunity to shine and grow,” she added.
The journey for women in business is often fraught with challenges, some of which are unique to them. “Is it better? Yes. Do we have a way to go? Yes,” Lesa said, acknowledging the gender bias that still exists in the industry. She shared instances where people would look past her to speak to a male colleague, even when she was the decision-maker in the room. “I’ve had people look past me and talk to the man that I brought with me,” she shared, highlighting the need for continued progress.
In today’s globalized world, diversity is more than just a buzzword; it’s a business imperative. “We try as hard as we can to find diverse candidates to fill those roles,” she said. Lesa believes that a diverse team can bring insights that look like the community they serve. “We’re doing a better job for our clients at the end of the day,” she confidently stated.
In a world teeming with businesses, standing out is crucial. “What sets us apart is our commitment to innovation and differentiation,” Lesa said. She believes that to truly stand out, you need to be more than just different; you need to stand for something. “How do you stand out and how do you stand for something?” she questioned, challenging businesses to dig deeper into their brand identity.
The future holds endless possibilities, and Lesa is excited about what lies ahead, especially with the advent of AI. “We’ll see how AI evolves what we do for our clients and how it affects digital marketing and social media,” she mused. She believes that these advancements will continue to shape how they serve their clients and affect digital marketing, social media, and web development.
Our conversation with Lesa was a rollercoaster of emotions, insights, and revelations. It served as a poignant reminder that while the path for women in business is fraught with challenges, it’s also filled with opportunities for those willing to seize them. As we celebrate National Business Women Day, let’s honor the trailblazers like Lesa who are not just breaking barriers but also building futures.